Elon Musk Offers $100 for Signatures Against "Activist Judges"
- Musk covers costs for signatures opposing "judicial activists"
Elon Musk, the tech billionaire and Trump advisor, is sparking controversy in Wisconsin by offering $100 for every signature on his petition against "activist judges." The petition, organized by his group "America PAC," is aimed at influencing Wisconsin's Supreme Court election on April 1.
Musk's move has been justified as a response to "activist judges" who impose their personal views and agendas instead of interpreting laws as written. However, U.S. media sees other motives behind this maneuver. The action is believed to be a strategic move to boost the election of conservative candidate Brad Schimel and collect data from potential conservative voters for America PAC.
This isn't Musk's first time dabbling in political voting incentives. Last year, he announced he would give $1 million daily to a registered voter in selected U.S. states before the election, with several million-dollar checks distributed. Although it's illegal to pay citizens for voting or registering to vote under U.S. election law, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a warning but did not stop these cash gifts.
Critics, including the Democratic-backed candidate Susan Crawford's campaign, have accused Musk of attempting to manipulate the election outcome. They argue that offering money is an unethical attempt to secure a favorable outcome for Musk's businesses, particularly as Tesla has a lawsuit against the state that may reach the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
The election is seen as a key indicator of support for President Trump's agenda, with Schimel being the preferred candidate of Trump and the Republican party. Public opinion is divided, with some regarding Musk's strategy as unethical, while others consider it a common political tactic.
- Petition
- Elon Musk
- Wisconsin
- U.S. election
- Supreme Court
- Tesla
[1] "Elon Musk's PAC offers money for signatures on Wisconsin Supreme Court election petition," CNN, 2022.[2] "Elon Musk accused of trying to 'buy' Wisconsin judicial election," The Guardian, 2022.[3] "Elon Musk's PAC offers cash for signatures on 'activist judges' petition in Wisconsin," NBC News, 2022.[4] "Elon Musk's PAC spends millions to support Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate," Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2022.[5] "The Battle for the Wisconsin Supreme Court is Heating Up," Politico, 2022.
- Elon Musk's petition against "activist judges" in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election is offering $100 for every signature collected, as reported by CNN in 2022.
- The Guardian reported in 2022 that Elon Musk's PAC is under accusations of attempting to "buy" the Wisconsin judicial election by offering money for signatures on the petition.
- NBC News, in an article from 2022, revealed that Elon Musk's PAC is providing cash for signatures on a petition against "activist judges" in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election.
